Themes and message

Life and death

The short story “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield explores the theme of life and death. The theme is hinted at when Jose sings the song “This Life is Weary” (l. 162): “ ‘This Life is Wee-ary, A Tear - a Sigh. A Love that Chan-ges, This Life is Wee-ary, A Tear - a Sigh. A Love that Chan-ges, And then ... Good-bye!’ ” (ll. 166-167). The song suggests that living means experiencing pain and suffering, something which Laura cannot understand yet. 

The theme is explored when Laura goes to the poor neighborhood and visits the Scotts’ house. When she takes a look at the dead man, she is impressed by what she sees: 

What did garden-parties and baskets and lace frocks matter to him? He was far from all those things. He was wonderful, beautiful. While they were laughing and while the band was playing, this ma...

Teksten herover er et uddrag fra webbogen. Kun medlemmer kan læse hele indholdet.

Få adgang til hele Webbogen.

Som medlem på Studienet.dk får du adgang til alt indhold.

Køb medlemskab nu

Allerede medlem? Log ind